This No Bake Strawberry Cheesecake Lasagna Recipe is the perfect dessert to wow your friends and family without ever turning on the oven. Imagine layers of creamy cheesecake filling, fresh strawberries, and a buttery graham cracker crust all stacked beautifully in a dish that slices into irresistible, colorful portions. It’s light, luscious, and bursting with fresh strawberry flavor, making it an absolute dream for summer gatherings or any time you want to treat yourself to a cool, refreshing sweet. Once you try this no bake strawberry cheesecake lasagna, it will quickly become your go-to dessert for impressing guests with minimal effort and maximum delight.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward and pantry-friendly but come together to create a rich and creamy texture paired with the fresh, vibrant taste of strawberries. Each component adds a unique layer of taste or texture that makes this dessert special and irresistible.
- Graham cracker crumbs (2 cups): Forms the crisp, buttery base that adds a delightful crunch and contrasts perfectly with the creamy layers.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, melted): Binds the cracker crumbs into a firm crust with a rich, buttery flavor.
- Cream cheese (2 packages, softened): The star of the cheesecake filling, providing that silky, tangy creaminess.
- Powdered sugar (1 cup): Sweetens the cream cheese filling smoothly without graininess.
- Vanilla extract (2 teaspoons): Brings a warm, aromatic depth that enhances all the flavors.
- Heavy whipping cream (2 cups): Whipped to stiff peaks for a light, airy texture in the cheesecake layers.
- Granulated sugar (1/4 cup): Adds just enough sweetness to balance the whipped cream without overpowering.
- Instant cheesecake pudding mix (1 box, 3.4 oz): Thickens the filling and adds that unmistakable cheesecake flavor boost.
- Cold milk (1 1/2 cups): Activates the pudding mix and keeps the texture smooth and creamy.
- Fresh strawberries (1 1/2 cups, sliced): Inject freshness, color, and a juicy contrast throughout the dessert.
- Strawberry sauce or preserves (1 cup): Adds sweetness and a beautiful glossy touch between layers.
- Additional sliced strawberries and graham cracker crumbs: Perfect for garnish and adding that extra pop of color and crunch on top.
How to Make No Bake Strawberry Cheesecake Lasagna Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Graham Cracker Crust
Start by mixing the graham cracker crumbs and melted butter together until the mixture resembles wet sand. Press this evenly into the bottom of a 9×13-inch dish to create a solid, buttery crust. This base is essential because it supports those creamy layers above and adds a satisfying crunch to every bite.
Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Mixture
In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract together until the mixture is smooth and silky. This forms the luscious foundation of your cheesecake layers, balancing sweetness and tang in every spoonful.
Step 3: Whip the Heavy Cream
Separately, whip the heavy cream with the granulated sugar until stiff peaks form. This step is key for adding a light, fluffy texture that makes the cheesecake filling feel airy and decadent without being heavy.
Step 4: Prepare the Cheesecake Pudding
Whisk the instant cheesecake pudding mix into cold milk until thickened. This quick step adds body and a burst of cheesecake flavor that perfectly complements the cream cheese base.
Step 5: Combine All Fillings
Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture to keep things light and airy. Follow that by folding in the thickened pudding until everything is fully combined and beautifully smooth—this mixture is what gives the dessert its irresistible cheesecake texture.
Step 6: Assemble the Layers
Spread half of the cheesecake filling evenly over the graham cracker crust. Layer on half of the sliced strawberries and drizzle with half of the strawberry sauce. Repeat with the remaining cheesecake filling, then top with the remaining strawberries and a sprinkle of graham cracker crumbs for that extra texture and visual appeal.
Step 7: Chill and Set
Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight. This chilling time is crucial because it allows the layers to set and the flavors to meld into that perfect creamy and fruity lasagna you’ll be excited to dive into.
How to Serve No Bake Strawberry Cheesecake Lasagna Recipe
Garnishes
Add a fresh, eye-catching touch by topping with additional sliced strawberries and a few extra graham cracker crumbs. You can even add a sprig of fresh mint for a pop of green and aroma that complements the strawberry beautifully.
Side Dishes
This no bake strawberry cheesecake lasagna pairs wonderfully with light, fresh sides such as a simple mixed berry salad or a glass of chilled sparkling water with a lemon wedge to cleanse the palate between bites of rich cheesecake.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving individual portions in clear glass parfait cups to showcase the layers, or use small dessert jars with lids for an adorable, portable treat perfect for picnics or potlucks. Drizzle a little extra strawberry sauce on top just before serving for an elegant finish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftovers covered tightly with plastic wrap or in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The cheesecake lasagna will maintain its fresh taste and creamy texture for up to 3 days, making it a perfect make-ahead dessert for busy weeks.
Freezing
You can freeze the assembled no bake strawberry cheesecake lasagna, but for best results, freeze it before adding fresh strawberries on top. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap and foil, then thaw overnight in the fridge before serving to keep the texture intact.
Reheating
This dessert is best enjoyed chilled, so reheating is not recommended. Just remove from the fridge about 10 minutes before serving to take the chill off slightly, allowing the flavors to shine through without losing that perfect creamy consistency.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw and drain the frozen strawberries well before layering so they don’t add extra moisture that could make the dessert soggy.
Is this recipe difficult for beginners?
Not at all! The No Bake Strawberry Cheesecake Lasagna Recipe is straightforward and forgiving—no oven needed and mostly mixing and layering, which makes it perfect for novice bakers and busy cooks alike.
Can I substitute Cool Whip for homemade whipped cream?
Yes, Cool Whip works as a convenient shortcut and still provides great texture and sweetness, though homemade whipped cream offers a fresher taste and creamier texture.
How long does this cheesecake lasagna need to chill?
Chilling for a minimum of 4 hours is essential to allow the layers to set properly. Overnight chilling is even better for full flavor development and firm slices.
Can I add other fruits besides strawberries?
Feel free to experiment! Blueberries, raspberries, or even sliced peaches can be delicious alternatives or additional layers that add variety and color.
Final Thoughts
This No Bake Strawberry Cheesecake Lasagna Recipe is a refreshing and indulgent dessert that’s sure to steal the spotlight at any gathering. Its creamy layers and fresh strawberries make every bite feel like a celebration. I can’t recommend it enough if you want a charming, no-fuss dessert that tastes like it took hours to prepare but actually comes together in under half an hour. Grab your ingredients, assemble the layers, chill, and get ready to impress!
Print
No Bake Strawberry Cheesecake Lasagna Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 25 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This no bake strawberry cheesecake lasagna is a creamy, layered dessert featuring a graham cracker crust, luscious cream cheese filling, fresh strawberries, and a sweet strawberry sauce topping. Perfect for summer gatherings or whenever you crave a light, refreshing treat without turning on the oven.
Ingredients
Crust
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted)
Cheesecake Layers
- 2 packages (8 oz each) cream cheese (softened)
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 box (3.4 oz) instant cheesecake pudding mix
- 1 1/2 cups cold milk
Fruit and Toppings
- 1 1/2 cups fresh strawberries (sliced)
- 1 cup strawberry sauce or preserves
- Additional sliced strawberries and graham cracker crumbs for topping
Instructions
- Prepare the Crust: In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs with the melted butter until the mixture is well blended. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9×13-inch dish to form an even, compact crust layer.
- Make the Cream Cheese Mixture: In a large bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and creamy, ensuring no lumps remain.
- Whip the Cream: In a separate bowl, whip the heavy whipping cream with the granulated sugar until stiff peaks form, which means the cream holds firm when the beaters are lifted from the bowl.
- Combine Cream and Cheese Mixtures: Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture, taking care to keep the mixture light and fluffy by mixing slowly and carefully.
- Prepare Pudding Mixture: In another bowl, whisk together the instant cheesecake pudding mix and cold milk until the mixture thickens, which should take a few minutes. Then carefully fold the pudding into the cream cheese and whipped cream mixture until fully combined.
- Assemble the First Layer: Spread half of the cheesecake mixture evenly over the prepared graham cracker crust in the dish.
- Add Strawberry Layer: Arrange a layer of the sliced fresh strawberries over the cheesecake layer and drizzle evenly with about half of the strawberry sauce or preserves.
- Repeat Layers: Spread the remaining cheesecake mixture over the strawberry layer smoothly. Top this with the remaining fresh strawberries and a light sprinkle of additional graham cracker crumbs for texture and decoration.
- Chill: Cover the assembled dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or ideally overnight, to allow the layers to set and flavors to meld perfectly.
- Serve: Once chilled, slice into squares and serve cold for a refreshing, indulgent dessert experience.
Notes
- You can substitute Cool Whip for the homemade whipped cream to save time.
- Adding crushed vanilla wafers or white chocolate chips between layers adds delightful texture.
- Frozen strawberries work well if fully thawed and drained to prevent extra moisture.
